Assignment: Evaluability Assessment
Evaluability assessment, sometimes referred to as exploratory evaluation, is often conducted as a preliminary activity prior to conducting a formal evaluation. It is commonly used as a planning tool and is a quick and cost-effective method to determine whether programs identified as candidates for evaluation have the objectives, activities, and resources that will facilitate a formal evaluation. It is not a substitute for a program evaluation that can determine whether the program is likely to be effective in its current form or whether changes and adjustments may need to be made. (Leviton, Khan, Rog, Dawkins & Cotton, 2010).
For example, the recidivism rate, the extent to which a criminal relapse back into criminal behavior, is a major measure of the effectiveness of criminal justice programs. The Second Chance Act of 2008 is a federal program designed to reduce recidivism in local communities. Grant funds from the Department of Justice were distributed to state, local governments, and nonprofits to develop appropriate programs.
To prepare for this Assignment, review this week’s Learning Resources and consider the evaluability of a funding effort. Access the Second Chance Act website and examine the success stories, focusing on the Roca, Inc. case.
Discuss within a 2- to 3-page paper which assesses the evaluability of this program, using the criteria in the readings for this week and indicates whether you anticipate that a formative, process, needs assessment, or summative evaluation will be most appropriate. Explain your reasoning.
Resources:
http://www.pointk.org/resources/files/evaluability.pdf
https://csgjusticecenter.org/publications/fact-sheet-the-second-chance-act/
https://www.janetwall.net/attachments/File/9_Step_Evaluation_Model_Paper.pdf
Langbein, L. (2012). Public program evaluation: A statistical guide (2nd ed.). Armonk, NY: ME Sharpe.
• Chapter 1, “What This Book Is About” (pp. 3–20)
McDavid, J. C., Huse, I., & Hawthorn, L. R. L. (2019). Program evaluation and performance measurement: An introduction to practice (3rd ed.). Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage.
• Chapter 1, “Key Concepts and Issues in Program Evaluation and Performance Measurement” (pp. 2-43)
• Chapter 6, “Needs Assessments for Program Development and Adjustment” (pp. 248-293)
